Strolling Through Uji: A Millennium of Romance from Murasaki Shikibu's Pen

About Uji:
✅ Intertwined Literature and History: Walk across Uji Bridge from Murasaki Shikibu's tales and touch the lingering echoes of "The Tale of Genji" spanning a thousand years
✅ Exquisite Architectural Aesthetics: Byodo-omote-sando Street combines Japanese-style shops with the interplay of light and shadow in Tang-style architecture
✅ Perfect Photo Route: From classical wooden bridges to the reflections of Phoenix Hall, capture all of Uji's iconic scenes in one trip

🚶‍♀️ Golden Route Plan
① Statue of Murasaki Shikibu
▸ Literary Pilgrimage:
The statue holds a scroll gazing at Uji River, marking the creative birthplace of "The Tale of Genji's" "Uji Chapters"
Hidden gem: Base inscribed with chapter names like "The Floating Boat" and "The Lady at the Bridge" - a must-photograph for fans
② Byodo-omote-sando Street
▸ Cultural Experiences:
Sansoen Matcha Main Store: Experience freshly ground matcha (offering Warring States-period samurai-style tea robes)
Masuda Tea Shop: Matcha chocolates shaped like Phoenix Hall
Rokuro-do: Sample dorayaki (pancakes) shaped like Uji Bridge
▸ Photography Highlights:
Frame the "Uji Tea" signboard with Phoenix Hall in the distance for perfect composition
③ Uji Bridge
▸ Historical Moment:
Japan's oldest existing bridge (built in 646), with railings resembling phoenix wings
The central "Third Span" was Toyotomi Hideyoshi's cherry blossom viewing spot
▸ Exclusive Experience:
Search for the Tokugawa family crest carvings on the "Giboshi" railings

🍵 Must-Try Foods Along the Way
‖ Murasaki Shikibu Monaka (Sawada Tea House): Wagashi sweets shaped like "Tale of Genji" characters
‖ Phoenix Hall Gold Leaf Ice Cream (Itohkyuemon Main Store)
‖ Uji Bridge Beer (Limited edition at riverside "TULLY'S")

"When the tea fragrance from Omotesando drifts over the vermilion bridge,
Where Murasaki Shikibu's gaze falls,
There still lies the Uji River that sighed for love in the Heian period." 🎎